Kessel Run
Hanscom AFB, MA / AFLMC Digital Directorate
Kessel Run was the first software factory established by the DoD, having been founded by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) in 2017. Kessel Run focuses on modernizing command & control systems.
Kessel Run is divided into three branches: Operational C2, Wing C2, and All-Domain Common Platform. Kessel Run serves as a program office for multiple programs of record.
Kessel Run has been closely aligned with the DoD’s Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) initiative. The software factory’s SlapShot task management software was used to organize the Afghan withdrawal.
They have also worked closely on code for the Air Operations Center (AOC), F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, and the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS).
A 2022 RAND report claimed Kessel Run had 1,179 personnel at the time. There were 82 officers, 21 enlisted, 213 civilians, and 863 contractors.
Program(s)
FY24 Budget ($M)
FY25 Budget ($M)
Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) (PE 0604003F)
$501
$744
Airbase Air Defense Systems (ABADS) (PE 0207522F)
$79
$17
Air & Space Operations Center (AOC) (PE 0207410F)
$72
$71
Combat Air Intelligence System Activities (PE 0207431F)
$72
$65
Agile Combat Support (PE 0604617F)
$28
$24
AF LVC Operational Training (LVC-OT) (PE 0801380F)
$25
$30
C2 Air Operations Suite – C2 Info Services (PE 0305015F)
$14
$14
Product
Description
Air Operations Center
Command & control support for air operations. Currently running under Block 10.1. The capabilities in Block 10.1 are currently being migrated to the cloud. A new set of applications is under development for Block 20 and is focused on all domains.
Kessel Run All-Domain Operations Suite (KRADOS)
A global platform for C2 applications to allow developers to scale their applications faster. All applications are connected with common data streams in a hybrid cloud environment. It includes multiple applications such as: SKYHOOK, SLAPSHOT, JIGSAW, MAI TAI, TRITON, KRID, SPACER, REBEL ALLIANCE, and DIRECT. A full breakdown of these products can be found here.
Command & Control Incident Management Emergency Response Application (C2IMERA)
A synthetic environment for warfighters that is “tailorable, saleable, and accurate.”
Patriot Excalibur
A maintenance and scheduling toolset that provides “Wide Spectrum, Multi-domain, Operational Scheduling, Training, and Maintenance.”
Targeting & Geointelligence
An application to help visualize intelligence and integrate it with planning and operations to assist in target prioritization.
Theater Battle Management Core System
The system that builds and executes Air Tasking Orders (ATO) and Air Control Orders (ACO). It also automates processes for “the Combined Air and Space Operations Center (CAOC) portion of the Theater Air Control System (TACS).”
